In the days after the camping trip, Claire feels unsettled by her lack of contact with Delilah or Astrid. She distracts herself with Delilah’s Instagram photos until her doorbell rings. She assumes it is Josh, early to pick up Ruby for a sleepover. She opens her door to find Delilah, who says that she has new photos to show Ruby. Josh arrives and greets Delilah.

After he and Ruby leave, Claire hesitates to invite Delilah in, aware that the evening of quiet domesticity she has planned may be an unrealistic possibility if Delilah is around. Just as she intends to ask what Delilah’s plans are, Delilah kisses her in a way that she feels is “soft and sweet and in no way indicate[s] she [i]s expecting to fall into bed immediately” (286).

Delilah is quietly overjoyed to be with Claire again though unsettled at the prospect of emotional dependence. Claire notices that Delilah seems uneasy, refusing to accept her denials. Delilah is relieved, taking this as a sign that Claire knows her true self. Delilah suggests that they go on a date, their first real outing, and takes Claire to the roller-skating rink in the neighboring town. Delilah delights in the ease she feels.